Corner Gas to end in spring 2009

The laughs are coming to an end in Dog River, Corner Gas star and creator Brent Butt announced on Thursday.

The 2008-09 season now in production will be the last for the hit comedy series, Butt announced in a release.

He said broadcaster CTV didn't want the show to end, but Prairie Pants Production — the company he runs with Virginia Thompson and David Storey — has decided this sixth season should be the last.

"It's a very difficult decision, but the right decision, and one I felt I had to make," Butt said.

"When I told CTV about my decision, they made it clear that they were keen to do more seasons. But for the good of the show, I wanted to exit gracefully, on top of our game, when we're at our prime — because that's how I want viewers to remember Corner Gas: at its very best."

Susanne Boyce, president of creative for CTV, said the series helped prove that Canadians will watch homegrown TV.

Corner Gas, which is shot in Rouleau, Sask., began airing Jan. 22, 2004, and will wind up in spring 2009.

The series has won six Gemini Awards, including best comedy series, and is seen in more than two dozen countries.

Butt will continue to develop projects for CTV and The Comedy Network as production wraps on the final season.